Variable ND Filter
Our new cmotion Cinefade VariND consists of a Motorised Polariser and a Static Polariser. When inserted into a matte box together, they form a variable ND filter that works as a standalone VariND or as a remotely controlled, dynamically adjustable variable ND filter for professional filmmakers.
The Cinefade VariND is the only professional motorised variable ND filter that can be remotely controlled using a cPRO lens control system and enables cinematographers to maintain a constant exposure and T-stop in changing lighting conditions, for example during an interior-to-exterior Steadicam transition shot.
Our VariND is easy and fast to setup with plug-and-play simplicity and automatic calibration. Compatible with ARRI LMB matte boxes, the variable ND filter can also be adjusted directly via buttons on the filter, replacing a set of traditional ND filters.
Go behind the scenes on ‘Devotion’
“We primarily used the Cinefade VariND as an exposure tool for the exteriors. The ability to leave the iris where you want it and adjust exposure with the VariND is fantastic. It’s particularly useful on a crane, because you don’t have to pull the crane down to adjust the ND.”
Watch INT to EXT shot
Trigger by FORM music video
Up to ND1.8+
Light transmission dynamically adjustable between ND0.4 to ND1.8. Can be extended up to ND2.7 with ‘optical safe range’ turned off.
Direct or remote control
Control the variable ND filter with a cmotion cPRO LCS or directly via buttons on the Motorised Filter.
5.65" x 5.65"
The Motorised Polariser fits all ARRI LMB matte boxes with the motor block sticking out the top.
Watch interior to exterior shot
VariND Applications
The cmotion Cinefade system consists of a Motorised Polariser and a Static Polariser which can be used together or separately, with or without a cmotion cPRO LCS, combining five useful applications in one solution.
Variable depth of field effect
The Motorised Polariser together with the Static Polariser form a variable ND filter that is slaved to an iris motor and controlled remotely with the cmotion cPRO LCS, allowing cinematographers to vary depth of field in film.
Remote Variable ND
The Motorised Polariser together with the Static Polariser form a variable ND filter that can be remotely controlled with the cmotion cPRO LCS, allowing filmmakers to control the density of the light filter whenever the camera is inaccessible, for example enabling interior to exterior Steadicam shots without riding the iris.
Standalone Variable ND
The Motorised Polariser together with the Static Polariser form a variable ND filter that can be directly adjusted via two buttons on the motor block, without the need for a LCS, saving the AC time when adjusting ND values and replacing a set of traditional ND filters.
Remote Polariser
The Motorised Polariser can be remotely adjusted with a cmotion cPRO lens control system to control polarisation effects like reflections and blue skies and animate them over time.
Standalone Polariser
The Motorised Polariser can also be adjusted directly via two buttons on the motor block, without the need for a lens control system, enabling precise and repeatable adjustments of the polariser.
INT to EXT Steadicam shot
Shots where the camera travels from an interior to an exterior location with large lighting differences are now possible without having to 'ride the iris' and affecting depth of field.
The variable ND filter is controlled with the cPRO hand unit to adjust exposure when transitioning between bright and dark environments, allowing the DP to maintain a constant shallow depth of field inside as well as outside (read more).
Faster ND changes
Instead of manually changing traditional Neutral Density filters, a variable ND filter allows for faster and more precise neutral density changes in third and full stops either remotely with the cPRO or directly on the filter without a lens control system.
“Shooting outdoors with constantly changing cloud coverage the cmotion Cinefade variND allowed me to quickly adjust the ND value whenever the sun came in or out to maintain a good exposure without changing the DPs stop.
The speed and ease of use enabled us to capture an unscheduled plane fly-by.”
